"Your mother won’t be happy.”
"Mom will get used to it," I say.
"You’d better both come out for dinner next week, Cassie. I want to get to know the man who’s in love with my daughter."
"Even better," Paul says. "Why don’t you and your wife come here? I’ll cook for you."
My dad’s eyes widen. "You cook?"
"Everything from scratch." He tugs at his beard. "I’ll have to get a couple more chairs, but we can manage."
My dad harrumphs. "I’ll speak to your mother."
I suddenly have a wave of affection for my father. He’s been too caught up in his business to spend much time with me, but he does love me. I race down the steps and plant a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Dad."
"I just want you to be happy, Cassie. I want you to have everything you deserve in life."
"Don’t worry," I say. "I will."
We watch him drive off, taking the gravel road slow so as not to get chips in the paintwork of the Audi.
"Did you mean what you said?" Paul asks.
"Every word of it." I turn to face him, and his breath is warm on my cheek. "I’m yours, Paul.”
The heat of his breath warms my entire body. I tilt my neck, giving him access to my throat.
"Good.” His lips tickle my neck. “Now it’s time to claim you."
12
PAUL
Itake Cassie's hand in mine and lead her into the cabin and straight to the bedroom. She turns to face me, and I draw her close.
"I meant what I said, Cassie. Stay here, stay with me. I don't have much, but everything I have is yours."
"I meant it too," she said. "Everything I need is right here in this room."
I cup her cheeks in my palms. I’ve waited so long for this woman. I've seen her blossom from a shy teenager into a young woman who knows who she is. And she's everything I need in my life.
Her hair has fallen over her face, and I sweep it back, letting my fingers trail down to her throat.
My hand moves to the back of her head and tangles in her hair. I pull her close as my lips kiss her smooth cheek.
I love you, Cassie." My mouth moves down the line of her jaw.
"I love you too, Paul."
Our lips meet, and her soft lips on mine makes me instantly hard. I've waited a long time to claim Cassie.
Her hands slide under my jacket, and she slides it off my shoulders. It drops to the floor with a thud. Our bodies collide, and the kiss turns hungry. I draw her to me as my hands slide around her waist, pulling her closer. Her hips grind against mine, and a groan erupts from my throat.
"I've waited a long time for this," she moans.
"So have I. You'll never be alone again, Cassie. Move in with me. I don’t have much to offer, but everything I have is yours. My heart, my soul, my love and protection. I’ll worship your body and love you every day for as long as I live."
